9 Tips on Self-Care for EHS Professionals
Self-Care
What is it and why is everyone talking about it? To put it simply, it’s learning to meet your needs first before helping others, whether that’s mentally, physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Some people struggle to make themselves a priority, especially those in professions that focus on the care of everyone around them. And for those professionals especially, it’s important to be feeling your best as you engage with others.
Here Are 9 Tips to Help You Get Started and Prepare You for Your Next EHS Gig:
- Work/Life Balance. According to The Korn Ferry survey which surveyed 620 individuals, 80 percent of respondents said they have had a breakthrough work idea while relaxing on vacation. Taking vacations, or time away from work, seems to have a positive impact on job performance. Remember to take your vacations to properly recharge so that when you are at work you can be fully focused on keeping you and your client compliant and safe.
- Journal. As management guru Peter Drucker famously said, “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Write lists of tasks you want to accomplish not only personally, but professionally. It holds you accountable not only to your goals, but to yourself. What are your professional goals? Is there a project at work that you want to accomplish this quarter? Or a problem that you are trying to figure out how to solve? If you write it, you can keep sight of it.
- Learn Something New Every Day. At YellowBird, we are fans of lifelong learning and “upskilling.” Want to learn something new or increase your knowledge on a particular subject? Seek out new knowledge by reading, watching documentaries, listening to podcasts (stay tuned for YellowBird’s Canary in a Coal Mine podcast coming soon), and getting to know colleagues and peers to help strengthen your overall skill set. It’ll keep your mind sharp and boost your confidence. One additional perk of becoming one of YellowBird’s Match Ready Pros, is that you automatically qualify for 10% off your tuition when enrolling online at Columbia Southern University. YellowBird encourages lifelong learning for every one of its Pros.
- Take Care of Your Appearance. The first impression is sometimes our last, so make sure to show up looking and feeling your best – whether that is keeping your hair tidy, nails trimmed, and smelling fresh. Invest in hand lotion, wear Chapstick, and protect yourself with sunscreen. If you follow our first suggestion, we promise your hands will be nice and soft and leave a lasting impression when greeting people on the job site. Not only do we mention sunscreen because YellowBird is headquartered in sunny Phoenix, but some of our Pros’ work may be done in direct sunlight. Prevent premature aging and skin conditions by wearing your sunscreen (we recommend SPF 30 or above).
- Dress the Part. Speaking of looking and feeling your best, make sure you dress the part as your client’s dedicated safety professional. This includes showing up with not only the right attitude, but also the right PPE, such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, and whatever tools may be needed for that specific job. It’s always better to be overprepared!
- Exercise. Thanks to endorphins, moving your body just makes you feel better. Not only does it get rid of harmful toxins in the body, but it can help regulate your circadian rhythms and help you sleep more soundly. According to a survey (conducted by OnePoll) of 2,000 Americans who exercise at least once a week, 75% of people reported being happier as well as more successful (74%).
- Have a Consistent Sleep Schedule. Try going to bed at the same time every evening and waking up at the same time each day. This will help regulate your mood and bodily functions. Your body will thank you for this and you’ll feel ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way throughout the week.
- Asking Others for Feedback. Get insights into your personal and professional life from your peers, colleagues, and managers. How do others see you in a professional or personal setting? What recommendations would they make for you? Feedback can really go a long way in helping you understand yourself and how you fit into the world of EHS.
- Carve Out YOU Time. What’s YOU time? This is time for just you – away from family, friends, or colleagues. This could be time engaging in one of your favorite hobbies, or simply a workout, but this is time for you to ground yourself (electrical pun intended).
Keep these tips in mind as you prepare for your upcoming gigs as a YellowBird EHS Pro. Or if you are ready to become one of our qualified EHS or Risk Management Pros, you can get started today by signing up on our website.
